Definition
可怜 (kě lián) describes someone or something in a pitiful state that arouses sympathy. Compared to 可悲 (kě bēi), which emphasizes a lamentable or tragic quality (often with a sense of futility), 可怜 is more about simple pity for hardship. As a verb, 可怜 means 'to take pity on' someone, whereas 怜惜 (lián xī) implies a tender, protective affection.
adjective
pitifulpathetic
verb
to pityto have pity on
Examples
- 可怜。Nà ge kě lián de qǐgài chuān zhe yí jiàn pò yīfu.That pitiful beggar is wearing torn clothes.
- ，可怜。Tā kū de nàme shāngxīn, zhēn kě lián.She's crying so sadly, it's really pitiful.
- 可怜。Dàjiā dōu kě lián tā niánjì qīngqīng jiù shīqù le fùmǔ.Everyone pities him for losing his parents at such a young age.
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